First University Assistant or Researcher in Genetics (12847-RE-200-2025)

Research

First University Assistant or Researcher in Genetics

The Genetic Medicine Service is looking for a first university assistant or a researcher, at an activity rate of 80% to 100%, for a start date on February 1, 2026, under a one-year fixed-term contract.

Context

The Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) is one of the 5 Swiss university hospitals. Thanks to its collaboration with the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of the University of Lausanne and EPFL, CHUV plays a leading role in medical care, medical research, and education.

The CHUV Genetic Medicine Service consists of a clinical unit and molecular and chromosomal diagnostic laboratories. The clinical unit includes 3 senior physicians, 3 chief residents, 3 assistants, 4 genetic counselors, and 1 psychologist. More than 5000 patients are seen annually in consultations (neurogenetics, oncogenetics, cardiogenetics, nephrogenetics, etc.).

The molecular and chromosomal diagnostic laboratories include 4 FAMH biologists, 6 scientific experts, 1 bioinformatician, and 10 laboratory technicians. More than 2500 analyses are performed annually using various methods (karyotype, FISH, array CGH, Sanger, MLPA, NGS, etc.). Some patients benefit from short-read sequencing after exome capture and trio Mendeliome analysis.

You will join a newly formed research team. The projects focus on patients followed in the Genetic Medicine service for whom no molecular diagnosis could be made despite multiple analyses. We work on identifying new genes responsible for rare monogenic diseases and on understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms explaining these dysfunctions through various functional validations (organoids, in vivo models). We are particularly interested in genes responsible for neurodevelopmental disorders on one hand and monogenic ataxia on the other.

Collaborations with research teams from the University of Lausanne and EPFL are planned.

Mission

• You analyze short-read and long-read genome sequencing data within research activities (80%) and in a diagnostic context (20%)

You contribute to the integration and interpretation of results in close collaboration with biologists, clinicians, and bioinformaticians of the service

You participate in molecular genetics experiments, including DNA/RNA extraction, Sanger sequencing, and qPCR

You take part in cell biology experiments such as cell culture, transfection, and genome editing

You participate in the design, writing, and drafting of research projects in response to calls for proposals

You contribute to the writing of scientific publications and the valorization of results

You ensure regular scientific and technological monitoring regarding new genomic analysis methods and approaches

You contribute to the supervision and training of students involved in research projects.

Profile

You hold a doctorate in molecular genetics or an equivalent recognized diploma

You have skills in second-generation sequencing (NGS), including mastery of techniques, evaluation of quality indicators, interpretation of exome and/or genome sequencing data in the field of rare diseases, as well as protocol optimization and resolution of experimental problems

You master molecular genetics and cell biology techniques and are able to apply them independently and rigorously

You speak and write French and English fluently

You have knowledge of programming languages such as Python and R, as well as experience in NGS analysis pipelines (BWA, GATK, SAMtools, bcftools, VEP/ANNOVAR), which is an asset for the position

You demonstrate rigor, autonomy, and excellent team spirit, and are able to work on interdisciplinary projects

You show great adaptability, creativity, and organization, as well as an ability to manage your time and priorities effectively.

We offer

Becoming a collaborator at the Lausanne University Hospital means benefiting from:

• Top-tier social benefits, 20 days paternity leave, and 4 months maternity leave (with the possibility of an additional month of breastfeeding leave)
• Regular salary progression adapted to responsibilities
• A 13th salary and 25 days of vacation per year
• A right to at least three days of training per year, with access to a varied offer within the CHUV Training Center and partner training centers of the State of Vaud
• Facilitated access to one of the 500 furnished apartments offered in the surrounding neighborhoods for people relocating to Switzerland from abroad
• Social, cultural, and economic benefits offered to members of the H-Oxygène association
• Benefits offered within the mobility plan (discounts on public transport subscriptions, promotion of "Mobility" vehicles, and discounts on electric bike purchases)
• Quality company restaurants in each hospital building with preferential rates.

Contact and application submission

Contact for information about the position: Ms. Alexa Buseyne, Administrator, at 021 314 40 65

Since all our applications are processed electronically, we kindly ask you to apply exclusively online by clicking the APPLY button at the bottom of the announcement.

If you have difficulty applying, you can consult our procedure on how to apply online. If for technical reasons you cannot apply online, we invite you to contact our Recruitment Unit, which will assist you in your process, either by email at e.recrutement@chuv.ch or by phone at 021 314 85 70

CHUV applies the highest quality standards in its recruitment processes. Furthermore, committed to promoting diversity among our collaborators, we pay attention to different life paths and do everything possible to ensure equal treatment and avoid any discrimination. We look forward to receiving your application.

We kindly ask placement agencies to note that applications submitted directly on our recruitment platform by them are not accepted and cannot be invoiced. Thank you for your understanding.